‘Utmost respect’: Defence Force Chief David Johnston issues personal message in response to Donald Trump claim

The Chief of the Defence Force, David Johnston, has issued a personal message to all military personnel reassuring them their service during the Afghanistan war has not been forgotten despite the denigration of America’s military allies by Donald Trump.

In an email, Admiral Johnston cited his own involvement in the war in 2010 when, as the second in command of Australian forces, he became known for visiting remote bases where Australian forces lived with Afghan soldiers under frequent Taliban attack.

“In light of recent commentary, I want to acknowledge those who served were wounded and who died in the Afghanistan war,” he wrote.

“To those of you who served on operations in Afghanistan, I want you to know how much your service is valued. I am extremely proud of the contribution made by the ADF and our Australian partners.

“I also know that alongside your families and loved ones, some of you continue to carry the last scars of the conflict. Those who served and who continue to suffer because of their service deserve our utmost respect.”

‘We’ve never needed them’

Admiral Johnston’s decision to send the message, which could risk annoying Australia’s closest military ally, reflects the depth of anger among war veterans about Mr Trump’s untrue assertion that other Western armies avoided combat in a war that killed and wounded about 300 Australian soldiers.

“We’ve never needed them,” Mr Trump told Fox News on January 21. “They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan … and they did, they stayed a little back — a little off the frontlines.”

Among the veterans upset at the comments — and pleased with Admiral Johnston’s response — was his former Middle East commander, John Cantwell, a retired major general who oversaw Australia’s greatest military success in the war, the Battle of Shah Wali Kot in June, 2010.

“I think David got the tone right,” Mr Cantwell said. “Like every other veteran I was appalled by Trump’s remarks. Trump was talking about NATO but in his patently vacant mind he no doubt lumps all contributing nations under that one banner.

“I feel dismayed for the families and friends of the 457 British soldiers killed, the 150 Canadians killed, almost 100 French soldiers killed and for the Danes who, like Australia, lost more than 40 men killed.

“The man epitomises moral turpitude, shocking ignorance and egotistical malice.”

‘Measured and balanced’

The Defence Department did not respond to a request for comment but a military source said the email had been the subject of debate at the top levels of the Defence Force, which wanted to demonstrate support for veterans without being seen to rebuke the US president or the Albanese government.

“He was very measured and balanced,” said Neil James, the executive director of the Australia Defence Association. “He is sticking up for those who served from deep personal knowledge, having been the deputy force commander in the Middle East theatre.”

National RSL president Peter Tinley declined to comment but has previously called on Anthony Albanese to ask Mr Trump to apologise, which the prime minister has not done.

After British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed outrage, Mr Trump lavished the British military with praise but didn’t do the same for other countries.

The Army recognises the deaths of 41 Australians in the war, although the Australian War Memorial puts the figure at 47, which includes men whose suicides are attributed to the conflict. Some 260 were wounded, many seriously.

The US embassy in Canberra referred questions to the White House, which did not immediately respond.